Country-themed bar to replace OC's venerable Party Block

Feb. 20, 2014

Architectural rendering of the new Cowboy Coast Country Saloon. / Becker Morgan Group image

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Cowboy Coast Country Saloon will replace The Party Block, and its three clubs, including The Paddock, Rush and The Big Kahuna. / staff photo by Brian shane

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OCEAN CITY — The resort’s venerable Paddock nightclub is about to be replaced by a country music and cowboy-themed bar.

Cowboy Coast Country Saloon will replace The Party Block, and its three clubs, including The Paddock, Rush, and The Big Kahuna, on 17th Street.

“I’ve been here 35 years. It’s just time for me to move on,” said Party Block owner Robert Rosenblit, who bought The Party Block in 1979. He said The Paddock has been an Ocean City nightclub since the mid-1950s.

Rosenblit had the business up for for sale since late 2012. After meeting with several contenders, Rosenblit decided to strike a deal with Mark Bogosh, 41, of Pasadena, Md. Bogosh most recently had been owner of a bar in Baltimore’s Canton neighborhood called Plug Uglies Publick House.

“I didn’t feel comfortable with anyone until I met Mark,” Rosenblit said. “I think he’s got a great concept, and I believe it will be very well-received by the town.”

Bogosh said the decor of Cowboy Coast will be just as the name suggests, very down-home and country, with plenty of barn wood and corrugated metal. They’ll also have a mechanical bull.

“Country music gets more and more popular; I just saw a need for it in Ocean City. It’s something different. Country music fans are everywhere and they’re excited about it. The response so far has been great. I just thought, it’s a good opportunity”

Bogosh said structurally, the wall between Rush and The Paddock, both on the building’s north end, will be removed. Architectural drawings call for a stage and dance floor in the same space.

In the middle will be a tiki bar to replace Big Kahuna. The adjacent Pool Bar will remain. He said he’s signed a 15-year lease on the property.

Bogosh also said he’s interested in supporting regional and local country musicians, as well as trying to book national touring acts where they can.

“We’re really excited to be part of the business community, and we’re looking forward to a long-term relationship with the town of Ocean City, and giving people a country experience at the beach,” he said.